2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic design, reminiscent of a bygone era, with its "three-box design" that was straightforward and easily recognizable. Despite its traditional appearance, the Chrysler 300 exuded a sense of pride and elegance, making it a respectable choice for any occasion. The vehicle's exterior featured bi-xenon halogen projector lamps with LED driving lamps on lower trims, while higher trims offered adaptive HID lamps. The grille options varied between black and chrome, maintaining a tough, no-nonsense look. Wheel sizes ranged from 17-inch silver alloys on the base model to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S, providing a range of aesthetic choices.

Inside, the Chrysler 300 offered a level of interior quality that rivaled more expensive vehicles. The base model featured cloth upholstery, while the 300 Touring L and 300S came standard with Nappa leather upholstery. The 300S also included perforated inserts and accent stitching, enhancing its luxurious feel. Heated front seats were standard on the top two trims, with heated rear seats available as an option, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, available in various body styles, offered a level of variety unmatched by other models. The E-Class featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the E350 sedan, while the E450 variants boasted a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. The AMG E53 model, available in most body styles, provided a more powerful version of the E450's engine. The E53 Cabriolet, with its AMG styling, larger wheels, and matte-blue paint finish, was a sight to behold, exuding luxury and sophistication.

Inside, the E53 Cabriolet was a testament to Mercedes' commitment to luxury. The high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and premium leather created an opulent atmosphere. The car's design purity was evident, with the AMG styling adding character and flair. The E53 Cabriolet was not just about looks; it offered a driving experience that balanced comfort and performance, making it a versatile choice for both leisurely drives and spirited journeys.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for speed enthusiasts, but it offered respectable performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This engine delivered 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and 300 Touring L, while the 300S variant offered 300 hp and 264 lb-ft. For those seeking more power, the 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters available on the 300S. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive as an option, except on the 300S. The Chrysler 300 provided a comfortable and capable driving experience, with the V8 offering a fun, albeit not overly aggressive, performance.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided robust throttle response across a wide rev range, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system ensured power was effectively delivered to the road. The E53 Cabriolet's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system enhanced its driving dynamics, making it a versatile vehicle for both relaxed cruising and spirited driving. The car's dual personality was evident, offering a quiet and comfortable ride when needed, while also being capable of tackling challenging roads with confidence.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing many entry-luxury competitors. The vehicle provided 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, classifying it as a midsize sedan, but offering more space than some rivals. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating about four large suitcases, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence when the top was down, enhancing passenger comfort. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with standard heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system. The test car featured rapid-heating front seats, heated armrests, and ventilated front seats for hot weather. The triple-layer acoustic soft top helped maintain a cool and quiet cabin. With the top up, the trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which was reduced when the top was down.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured a straightforward instrument panel and center stack, with the Uconnect 4C infotainment system and an 8.4-inch touchscreen. This system was praised for its intuitive interface, offering functionality through prominent knobs and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Popular Equipment Group added premium audio, navigation, and a dual-pane sunroof, enhancing the vehicle's tech offerings.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with its MBUX system. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation of the system, offering high-resolution displays. Interaction with MBUX was possible through the touchscreen, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, or center console controls. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality navigation overlay. The test car featured a Burmester surround-sound audio system, adding to the luxurious experience. While MBUX was generally user-friendly, its extensive menu structure required some acclimation.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received mixed safety ratings, with top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with a five-star rating for combined side barrier and side pole crash tests. Standard safety features included active head restraints, airbags, traction and stability control, and hill start assist. Advanced safety features were available on higher trims and packages, but not standard.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet included pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for collisions and protecting occupants' hearing. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking. Additional safety features were available in the Driver Assistance Package, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The test car was equipped with this package, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids.